The text traces the historical, legal, and ethical issues that characterize the field of correctional health care. It describes barriers to improving care, as well as early reform efforts and current programs aimed at improving correctional health care. Legal issues surrounding the provision of care; the origin of inmates' constitutional right to health care; and legal requirements for providing basic medical, mental health, and dental services are explained. Additional chapters introduce ethical principles such as confidentiality and informed consent and their application in the correctional setting and discuss the organizational structure of prison health services. Further chapters focus on the staffing concerns that require special consideration in a correctional setting, the components of a model health care delivery system, and inmates with special health needs such as chronic illnesses or communicable diseases. Other chapters explain strategies to prevent disease, control infection, and promote health and safety in prisons; issues that administrators and architects should consider in planning correctional health facilities; data management and documentation issues; quality assurance; cost considerations; and emerging issues and future trends. Tables, chapter notes and reference lists, appended sample forms and program materials, and index